Tuesday, May 01, 2018

I've been nurturing a rose garden for ten years in honor of my sister. I love that the latest Somerset Studio arrives in May as it's the month I share a birthday with Shannon. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my visual journal that chronicles the past ten seasons of growth. I never thought I would ever be a successful gardener, so it was unexpected that I have become a rosarian.

(My mom even makes an appearance in my article....do you spy her?)

Two seasons ago my original rose bush passed 10 ft. tall.

Here's a view from the side yard in 2014.

In March we had a terrible snow storm (several actually) that brought down many trees in the neighborhood. On the left you'll see it didn't look promising for the roses, but then by the end of April, with some assistance of propping agents, they appear to be recovering.

And then this morning....I spied the first bud. The promise of another season. I'm so excited.

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Photo from 1996. Peter was 5, Sam was 4, and Fallon was 8 months. Wearing jelly bean shirts from L.L. Bean, and bunny ears.....Easter decals on the window above in our home when we lived in Michigan. As usual, at least one egg was missing from the hunt. We still dye eggs the same way, and still use the baskets from those early days, but now we use paper grass instead of that green plastic stuff because we have a cat. We've traded in some of the old plastic eggs for the ones that are hinged - so much easier to fill when you don't have to find the matching top or bottom. Wake up time is a little different so the "Easter Bunny" doesn't have to scramble in the wee hours to hide eggs and put out the baskets. I can no longer dress Fallon with ruffles and a hat ....because she's 22! And while the boys are 26 and 27, all three kids + mom + dad colored eggs Friday night.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Wishing you a blessed holiday, whatever you celebrate. Here's our annual photo card, and evidence of the family at a HIM concert. Theme this year honors our favorite band as we followed them on their farewell tour. Toasting many fun years seeing them live (x22). We will always have the music, and the memories.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

The + Artists For Artists + fundraiser is nearly complete - we are at the finish line! There are a handful of sets left and I'd really like to sell out to maximize our total donation. If you've been meaning to jump in, now is your chance! We really appreciate all the support - it's such a great cause. UPDATE: ONLY 20 LEFT OF THIS LIMITED EDITION OFFERING. EDIT: SOLD OUT!!!!

In a few days all the funds will transfer from Etsy to my bank, then I will turn around and submit back to them on the Etsy Advocacy page, where they will match us dollar for dollar, to benefit Cerf+, making the safety net for artists a little bit bigger. With a total sell out we will contribute, with Etsy, $8000+. HOW COOL IS THAT?

This is by far the biggest project I've ever embarked on - a real learning experience. It's not a comfortable place for me - asking for donations. I never even did well selling Girl Scout cookies, but this project has become really important to me. Thank you again for hearing and responding to the promotions by the whole team, and for helping to spread the word. WE ARE NEARLY DONE!

Just about five years ago we were getting prepared for SuperStorm Sandy to arrive in New Jersey. Who knew that hurricanes, or their remnants could affect us in the middle of the state? We have had a flooded basement more than once due to hurricanes! Luckily, with Sandy, our home and yard were spared any damage but we were without power for nine days. It was dark and cold - the day being even shorter because candles and flashlights don't make a big difference in November. We had filled our gas tanks, which was a blessing as there were issues with getting some after the storm. Our only warmth came from sitting in the car, motor running in the driveway, so we could listen to the radio to get caught up on news, and recharge our phones. One of us would run down to the corner store for hot coffee - never tasted so good. Once the power was back on, and the refrigerator restocked, life was nearly back to normal.

I simply couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose everything like so many have in recent tragedies. Hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake. At a time when one might want to turn to creativity to process the loss and escape from reality, or to continue making stuff because that's how you support your family, and all your resources are gone, Cerf+ is a resource that can help.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

The July/August issue of Somerset Studio just arrived. Below is a sneak peek of my article. Who doesn't love tags? I consider them to be perfect platform for all kinds of creativity and have been using them for over twenty-five years, therefore I call tags "Old Faithful". The entire magazine is full of them as that was their selected theme. Lots of good stuff.

In May/June I was lucky to be featured in Cloth Paper Scissors with my new Grid Iron stamps. More tags! Thanks Jeannine for the opportunity to show off the new rubber.

And speaking of faithful....you know I'm a die-hard HIM fan. They have announced their farewell tour. *sad face* Just got my tickets today - to two shows. *happy face* Wouldn't it be nice if the threat of a farewell tour was similar to other bands who have claimed the same, but continue to hit the road? If not, we can always hope for solo projects from the beloved members.

Monday, June 05, 2017

Even more glorious today than they were last week, here are some of my rose bushes. First photo: roses planted in 2008. Second photo: roses planted in 2011. All of them are tributes to honor my sister's life. I definitely feel her....and with these, I can see her.

And this one, called Daring Spirit, was a special gift from two friends in remembrance of my Grandma Kelly after she departed for heaven two years ago at age 102. This is the first big bloom I've gotten since it was planted. It smells good too!

Graham spent the weekend planting shrubs and filling the planters and bird feeders. The yard is a menagerie. Butterflies, bees, birds, bunnies and a family of kittens are regular visitors....and our goldfish pond is thriving as the fish are entering their third season here. Pool is open, beach towels are washed, (still have to blow up all the floaties) but we are ready for warmer temps...bring on summer!

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

I caught this photo Tuesday afternoon. With the heat expected today, there is no doubt this will open up for a birthday sign from Shannon. There are a few dozen that look ready to follow, and by the end of the week it will be a glorious show. The first rose bush planted in honor of my sister in 2008 is well over ten feet high. At one point I had over twenty bushes, but get this....all the non-pink roses have perished. Pink has taken over. You can't even see where the non-pink bushes were since the pink ones have filled in the vacant spaces. Love that. More photos soon.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Yesterday was the four year anniversary of adopting our sweet black cat Lucky. They told us she was likely about a year old so we claim today as her birthday. We sure got lucky with her. She is precious. I think that luck is all in perspective, but it's been said that those who work the hardest, are the luckiest. Often attributed to Thomas Jefferson: I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have. Hope you find yourself lucky not just today, but always.

Monday, November 28, 2016

I'm excited to announce that I'll be a participating artist for Creative JumpStart (CJS) 2017, hosted for the 6th year by Nathalie Kalbach. If you're not familiar with CJS, it's a one-of-a-kind online event to kick your creativity into high gear in January 2017.

Learn techniques, discover new materials, and connect with other artists and crafters.

Throughout January participants get access to 27 downloadable videos from 27 featured artists. I'm proud to be one of those artists, called “JumpStarters.” See for yourself:

If you sign up before November 30th (11:59 pm EST 2016) the cost is only $40.

Afterwards it will be $45 until December 31st, 2016 before it goes to its regular price of $50.

Treat yourself and jumpstart your creativity for the new year - a full month of inspiring posts to get you plugged in to making art!

I participated last year - with my first video! It was super fun to see how each jumpstart artist interpreted the prompt of the theme, and I learned a lot of really fun techniques (from artists I knew and artists who were knew-to-me) and it definitely got me motivated for the new year. This will be my second year, and only my second video - I know! I'm a dinosaur....eventually video-making will become more of a habit...I hope! I am grateful to my friend Nathalie who pushed me out of my comfort zone to make these videos.

I love the theme for 2017 - MIX, MATCH, & MASTER and I have translated it with a quick and easy project that everyone should try!

Save 25% off all* stencils Use code: cyber25 Monday, November 28, 2016 from midnight until 11:59 a.m. CST (Central Standard Time)PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!SHOP for my designs HERE.

Save 20% off all* stencils Use code: cyber20 Monday, November 28, 2016from noon until 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)PLUS 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size!AND orders over $100 get a FREE large stencil of Mary Beth's choice!SHOP for my designs HERE.

Lots of really amazing designs at Stencil Girl Products - stock up for yourself, and double up to get some gifts!

Sunday, June 12, 2016

A new class for August 13 - FLIP OVER NYC. Get it? It's a flip-style book you will flip over. Ha! Super fun to work on this one. Come take the class with me at The Ink Pad. Call (212) 463-9876 to register. Then on August 14 we will be making a Frond Chronicle Journal. Learn how to make your own stencil/mask sets (from four different materials), then use them as tools with paint. This one is a favorite and often requested. See samples below. Hope to see you in class!

Saturday, April 30, 2016

As April approached I had a grand plan to blog each week under theme of autism awareness. Turns out the month got away from me. Here we are on the last day already. It's been busy, but oh so fulfilling. Thank you to our friends who have supported our new shop. 73 sales is pretty good for our launch month. We also had two commissions - just mailed the second one off today. I had a meeting with our DVR counselor this week. That's a state appointed person who tracks your progress in securing a job - she had referred us to two different agencies to assist with the process. As you know, after three years with no prospects we decided to go out on our own and build a business. She was very kind and went to bat for us with her supervisor to see if they could support us in any way - thanks, but we don't need anything. We got this. While I appreciated her effort, it ended up being a frustrating experience. Because I couldn't supply her with a tax ID and financial reports they regard our enterprise as a hobby, not employment,and have earmarked his file as a non-success. I left the meeting feeling deflated because they don't get it. Profit is not a goal. It's Purpose we are after. And Purpose we created. And Purpose fills our days and brings satisfaction and happiness. Who cares what the files say, we are doing it our way.

On launch day Sam received a bouquet of roses from our friend Janet - a sweet lady I only know through this blog and our email conversations. Thank you Janet - not only for making April 1st a very special day, but you've introduced us to a really fabulous enterprise: Roses for Autism. If you ever want to send roses, this is the place. Visit the site to learn more about their exceptional staff, HERE.

Just after Sam's birthday, he participated in a talent/fashion show at our high school with his peers. It was the most amazing evening seeing these special kids parade across the stage, and sing, and dance. Sam had a display of his cards with two other entrepreneurs; a friend who makes candles and air fresheners, and another artist who paints and illustrates. Super fun night and utterly heartwarming.

As I mentioned, in addition to painting cards, we were commissioned by friends to create special packages. Veering from our usual routine was something Sam took in stride but he can't wait to get back to painting next week. He whizzes through the labeling and packaging because he knows that once that is done he can get back to the easel.

Tomorrow is May. I remember making May Day offerings out of construction paper and filling with leftover Easter grass and a handful of treats to leave at the door of friends. Ring the bell, hang a surprise on the doorknob, and run! It was a tradition in my neighborhood that we continued with our kids. Anyone else do May Day cones or baskets?

Saturday, November 14, 2015

What an honor to be invited to participate as a Guest Artist for The Documented Life Project. These girls have been inspiring artists for almost two years with their wonderful art and generous weekly challenge site. When Roben-Marie sent my assignment back in January I was thrilled. Stamps, Stencils & Masks are right up my alley. Not only do I love using retail products, but I also love to custom make all of these tools for making art. I have tutorials on both Stamp Carving and Stencil Cutting if the process is new to you or you want a refresher.

A few words about process....I love to work spontaneously, with no plan, no agenda. But I also love thinking about a project in specific detail, especially if I have an assignment. I make notes and some sketches, and try to discern what I want to express, or more importantly, what is channeling into my thoughts after being prompted with a subject. I love being immersed in the pre-project-thought-process as you give consideration to all the ways your ideas could be manifested. Here are my notes from January:

Last week I revisited the prompts, handcarved stamp and tapestry, and still found myself focused on a mental visual of the things I jotted down earlier in the year. Tapestry > foliage > trees > leaves > Autumn.

This is what I imagine when I think Tapestry. Woven, worn, rich. Lots of color, but a subtle range.

A word that kept repeating itself in my notes - Autumn. A strong influence - we are in full Fall colors here.... although most leaves are now on the ground. I am drawn in by the vibrant colors....especially the reds. I have a favorite quote that I think I will include. We'll see.

So how to interpret this through my own filters, with my own style? Make a few color selections and build a palette, then draw a few things that could be transferred to soft block and carved. Then start painting and see what happens.

The tree I carved is 4" with alot of intricate details so there may be an issue getting a good imprint on a page that has already been layered with gesso and acrylic. Going into this I knew that I wouldn't attempt to stamp the entire tree directly on the page. Through an experience of working on a project with a large (12" x 12") carving, I stumbled upon a trick that I like to rely on when applying an image to a page. Pre-paint loose paper (I used gessoed tissue paper) then stamp with black paint onto several sheets (paint on paint is better than ink on paint). Cut up all the "good" portions and splice together to recreate the image. It's like a paper quilt and makes the composition more interesting. Here is the piece where I learned my lesson of layering, 12" square framed collage painting made from a carved stamp:

My plan was to be tapestry-like but I ended up more quilt-like. This is a good example of how you can take inspiration from a prompt and have some loose intentions, then let the piece begin to work itself out while you are in-process.

I really admire these girls for launching their challenge site in 2014, then beginning again with weekly prompts for 2015. Having hosted my own monthly challenge site for six years I know how much work it is AND I know how much it means to get feedback. It's validating and encouraging. So be sure to chime in when you visit their site and offer your kind words.

Again, here is the link to The Documented Life Project: Art to the 5th Stop by and see what magic the hostesses have conjured up for this week's prompt.

Thursday, July 09, 2015

I've said this before, I choose to celebrate my sister's life on our birthday, May 17. Then comes July 10, her departure for heaven, one of those dates on the calendar that weighs heavy and I wish we could skip over. To fend off the sorrow I revisit photos that make me happy...like the one below of Shannon with Fallon from July 1998. Fallon was not quite three. In the back you can see a young Peter, nearly eight, with my brother John. We were in Minnesota for the 4th of July and spent the day doing fun stuff with the whole family. Happy memories.

I haven't shown you my rose garden yet this year. Here are two sections showing about two thirds of the roses. They were late bloomers this year but when they did finally come out it was glorious. A sign of connection. Sam and I walk the neighborhood in the evenings and we always take a path to visit the local tribe of deer...another sign.

Tonight while I was alone in a store, this song came on. I was checking out and close to tears. Escaped to the car and it was on the radio. Another sign. Chasing Cars will always tug at my heart. I listened to it on my ipod repeatedly when at the hospital with her. It's such a sweet and gentle song. Every now and then I will hear it, and I know she's there. It's good to remember the things that make you smile in remembrance, but it's good to cry too. She mattered.

A page from my sister journal, April 2009. I was so thrilled to see my roses, after their first winter, come "bursting into life".

Sunday, May 17, 2015

1972 - I remember this so clearly.....a sunny day at my grandparent's lake home. Two boxes, with matching wrappings from the department store were presented. Two floral broomstick sundresses - one too short, one too long. We probably had Welch's grape juice, Fritos, ham sandwiches, and birthday cake from the bakery in a fancy window box - eight candles for me, four for her. Within a few days we were likely at my other grandparent's lake home for the opening of fishing season. In jeans and hoodies, sitting in the boat with our little plastic rods, putting minnows on hooks and trolling for walleyes, or using worms to catch sunfish. Happy memories.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

On May fifth I found my first four leaf clovers of the year - three of them! I love walking through the neighborhood and visiting my lucky spots - especially before the grass gets mowed. I couldn't even count the number of clovers I have saved - for sure nearing five thousand.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Last week I went home to Minnesota for my Grandmother's funeral. While it was definitely tearful, and she will be dearly missed, it was also, in a way, a celebration of her life and how present she was in all our lives. Born in 1913 as Mary Batchelder, grew up in Granite Falls, MN, attended University of Minnesota, married Fallon Kelly in 1935, had four children - Kitty, John (my dad), Anne, and Molly, who gave her 18 grandchildren, and they gave her more than thirty great grandchildren. In the last few weeks I've been filling a journal with stories of her, from my childhood until now. Lots of beautiful, sweet, funny, and sentimental memories. I smile as I think of them even this very minute. I've flipped through photos, both here and at my parents home, and even more memories flooded in. It's hard to think of her not being at the other end of the phone, or opposite me at the dining table, but it was her time, and we are grateful for a full, happy, healthy life she enjoyed.

After the funeral last Friday we had a family dinner with all the relatives (there were alot!) and there was encouraging chatter about sharing stories. You may not know this about me, but I am a total chicken when it comes to standing up in front of a crowd, even if they are loved ones. Several of my cousins got things started and confidently stood up to share a favorite memory or two. This one spoke, then that one. We laughed, we toasted. Dad spoke. Mom spoke. I squirmed in my seat, wondering which story to share, hoping I could muster the courage to join in, and refrain from crying before I finished. I wasn't sure I could do it. But I didn't want to miss the chance to say she mattered. That evening It became a running joke between cousins, as each took a turn, claiming they were the favorite grandchild. When I did leave the safety of my chair at the corner table, I managed to squeak out a few sentences before my throat clenched and the well of tears was ready to burst. I said that we each knew Grandma's qualities, which were many - including hunter, hostess, golfer, great listener, matriarch....but that she also knew everything about US. She *got* us. Each and every one of us, of every age. She knew what we were each about, what we were into, what was going on in our lives, because she was genuinely interested in even the smallest of details. For years she was sending me newspaper clippings of articles I would enjoy, she was the first person to take me to an art museum (Walker Art Center), she gave me my first book of poetry, ..... later she wanted to know what my latest project was, we'd exchange thoughts about books we'd read, she wanted to know what Graham was cooking, where Peter was working, what Sam was doing, what Fallon was studying. It was the same with all my cousins and their families. It occurred to me, after I sat down, that in addition to making the statement that she *got* us, that it was obvious I left out one important observation. I can't get a re-do, so I will finish my thoughts here. I can see now that the reason we each felt like we were the favorite grandchild, was because that was her gift. That connection of feeling important and special is what she gave us, and hopefully she felt in return. What a great life lesson. To make each person in your life - relative or friend, feel like they are your favorite. Thank you Grandma. I will try to live up to your example for the rest of my days.

Here's a small view into her life....

My last photo with her, August 2014. She lived to 102....we were so lucky!

Sunday, September 07, 2014

Last week I received the new book by Joan Bess: Gelli Plate Printing: Mixed-Media Monoprinting Without a Press. It is fabulous, with easy-to-follow processes - I already have some new ideas for making textures on the gelli plate. As I wrote to Joan, I applaud the force she has become by infusing creative energy into this community with her genius invention, and the classy and stylish manner in which she presents many ideas on the blog, with the photos and video tutorials, and now this book! I recently scored the new small size gelli and can't wait to break it in - Joan makes it look so effortless, and it really is! Visit GelliArts.com and GelliArts.blogspot.com, and pick up the book at your local store or an Amazon. In addition to many techniques you'll want to try, the book has a guest gallery that displays how other artists are using the addictive printing process.

Also, just arrived is the newest issue of Somerset Studio. In my column, Make It Your Own, I write about taking some travel souvenirs and moving them from the keepsake box to the wall, so that they may be enjoyed every day. Are there any treasures you have tucked away that should move to your wall! What are you waiting for?

I'm prepping and packing to teach in San Diego next weekend. It's been ten years since I've visited California - looking forward to it!!

Monday, July 28, 2014

This is a long post.....visually loaded. I'm finally getting caught up on presenting all the terrific students and their work from the two Crowning Glories workshops back in May. I intended to do a montage of photos but we had so many, and my hand was ailing, so it was easier to take advantage of the photo albums here. I'm sorry it took so long to manage the uploads. These ladies created fabulous stuff! You can see the artists and their work from the first weekend here: Crowning Glories One. And the artists and their work from the second weekend here: Crowning Glories Two. (When you get to the albums you can click on the thumbnails to enlarge.)

Since Lynne and I are about to announce our next workshop for May 2015, I thought I better get the evidence from our recent one posted. Below you will find the work we did prior to the workshop.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Late March I came down with a bad case of trigger finger on my right hand. For weeks I wore a brace to relieve the tendon, which helped with the clicking, but then it wouldn't straighten, and if it got bumped or pushed to full extension the pain was excrutiating. Finally, I met with a finger doctor and he gave me a cortisone injection. While I admit I initially regretted the decision as it was very painful and remained that way for several days, I can happily say that all symptoms have vanished (one month later) and I have a fully functioning finger. It feels so good to be uninhibited and no longer limited by my temporary ailment. If it should return I will scoot back over to get another shot sooner rather than later, but for now I'm watching my behavior with preventative measures. Let me say this: if you are on the fence about seeking care for a worn out body part, don't delay!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

It's been six years since we began planting roses in remembrance of Shannon. While today's anniversary brings a tear, I am also filled with joy to have been blessed with such a sweet sister. I will never forget your arms wrapping around me when I needed it most, thank you. Here are two of the four walls of roses, and evidence of their rampant growth. I never imagined they'd grow taller than the fence! Reaching toward heaven.....xo

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Fifty. Seems like a significant number doesn't it? Half a century. How did that happen? I have to say I loved my forties more than my thirties so I look forward to my fifties. Today I will enjoy being with my family, talking to loved ones, and we will all be remembering Shannon, and the special day we shared for forty years. She was born on my fourth birthday - a most precious gift to all of us. I'm a lucky girl. There are many roses on my table today from the florist - for Mother's Day, and for my birthday....red of course, but also pink. Perhaps the recent rain will prompt my the first rose bush blossom to open in celebration of Shannon, for they were all planted in her memory.

Here is a favorite from the collection of nearly-annual-dock photos. I love that her shoulders are raised in a fit of giggles. I can hear it when I listen really hard. Makes me smile. Happy Birthday to Us. Love you sweet sister.

Monday, May 05, 2014

It's May! One of my favorite months. In addition to all the special dates that mark up the calendar, it is when things really start to bloom in the yard. Today the lilacs opened up, and I found my first batch of four leaf clovers! Next week I may see a rose!

May also means the start of Workshop Season, beginning with the second annual event with my friend and teaching partner Lynne Perrella. Last weekend we hosted Crowning Glories and it was an outstanding class, with remarkable women. We met with lots of familiar faces and made a handful of new friends. I love the ripple effect that occurs, and the positive energy that grows, as we march forward on a project, picking up new tricks and techniques along the way because we are invested in learning, sharing, and elevating our process of creating. The enthusiasm was apparent, with each final outcome so personal and unique, as we set up an impromptu photoshoot to celebrate both the artist and their work. I will share at a later date as we want to keep it a surprise until we've completed the encore class next weekend. Thank you ladies for a memorable three days. Looking forward to more Crowning Glories on Friday.

Monday, March 17, 2014

It has been a lucky few days for me - three HIM concerts in a row. NY, PA, NY. So much fun to see the band in top form, spend time with fellow fans, and even visit an ice bar! And this week, SPRING! Lifting a glass to toast the day, cheers!

Monday, January 27, 2014

In 2011, it was a thrill and honor to be invited by Mary Beth Shaw to join her Stencil Girl team of designers. Today, I am equally honored to introduce a new collection! This series of stencils was inspired by contemporary and traditional stained glass windows. The openings provide opportunity to fill with color or additional pattern. Use as a stencil with your favorite medium or as a template to guide layouts for collage and journaling. Scroll down to see some of the stuff I did with the large ones, then hop along to the SGP Design Team blogs to see their work with the smaller ones. I can't wait to see what they came up with, and thank them for participating!

SPECIAL DEAL: There is a promotional special available TODAY ONLY for all eight of the new stencils - $67 (savings of $17). Go to www.StencilGirlProducts.com

GIVEAWAY: There is a giveaway on StencilGirlTalk (the SGP blog, click HERE) for some of the new stencils. All comments on the hop are eligible for the giveaway. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win. Leave a comment here to be eligible, then visit the hop links and leave a comment there too.

EDIT: Giveaway will close on Friday, January 31st Sunday, February 2nd at 11:59PM Central Time.

CONGRATS to winners: Sue Chesley (large stencils), Beth Figiel (Small stencils). Thank you to everyone who came by to visit, leaving your comments, and for sharing the enthusiasm for the new series. Also, a special thanks to Maria for organizing the hop. That was fun!

I really wanted to do more spraypainting but it's too cold outside and the paint didn't behave very well. However, I did fall in love with the Dylusions Spray Ink by Ranger - so nice and opaque on black. I am looking forward to Spring so I can go back outside with all these circles - they are awesome to layer, especially with spray paint. I didn't even get out my Gelli Plate - I will try these stencils with that this week!

Monday, December 30, 2013

It was a terrific Christmas and a nice few days of just enjoying family time. Today I'm catching up on loose ends, wrapping up a few deadlines, and planning to do some reading. A fabulous graphic book from Lynne looks amazing, a cool book of architect's libraries from Santa, and a handful of magazines are piled on the table. I've been hearing about Flow magazine (for paper lovers) from Lisa and Julie so I ordered from the Netherlands and they arrived in two days!

The Jan/Feb Somerset Studio arrived and like last year, Lynne and I collaborated on an article. The title of our workshop Crowning Glories is not meant to be literal or limiting, and we each presented different ways you could interpret the title. Lynne describes and illustrates how impressed she was at seeing pages on exhibit from The Persian Book of Kings. For my part of the article I took on a self-imposed challenge to incorporate faces, something I rarely do, and found inspiration from playing iPad Solitaire! Whether you're traveling to see something unique at a museum or gallery, or you're procrastinating on the couch while playing games, you can find new directions to influence your work.

I decided to leave my panels in black and white for the article, but I've been working additional pieces in color, which I will show you another time. This design style has become addicting and I can't stop making them. Here are the original four colorized in Photoshop.

And a reminder about our workshop, which is filling up! I think there is only one spot left in the first weekend before we start the waiting list, and a handful of spots left in the second weekend. If you are interested, email Lynne, lkperrella (at) aol (dot) com for the packet of details.